Safety and Security Newsletter
West Perry School District - September 2023
Safety Drills
As part of our ongoing commitment to preparedness and security, we conduct regular safety drills, and we want to take a moment to explain their purpose and significance.
Why We Conduct Safety Drills:
1. Safety Preparedness: The primary purpose of school emergency drills is to ensure that our students and staff are well-prepared for various emergency situations. Students and staff become familiar with the actions they should take in specific emergency scenarios through drills. This familiarity can reduce panic and confusion in a real emergency, allowing everyone to respond more calmly and safely.
2. Continuous Improvement: After each drill, we evaluate our performance and identify areas for improvement. This continuous feedback loop allows us to refine our emergency plans, making them more effective and responsive to evolving threats.
Types of Safety Drills Conducted:
1. Fire Drills: These drills prepare students and staff for a fire emergency, ensuring a safe and orderly evacuation from the building to designated assembly areas.
2. Lockdown Drills: Lockdown drills simulate situations where securing school buildings or classrooms is necessary. These drills are conducted to address potential issues or threats inside or outside the school building.
3. Tornado or Severe Weather Drills: These drills teach students and staff how to take shelter in designated safe areas within the school.
4. Bus Evacuation Drills: These drills teach students how to safely exit a bus or van in an emergency.
What Should Parents do in Case of a School Emergency
Ensuring the safety and well-being of our students is our top priority at West Perry School District. While we hope that emergencies never occur, being prepared for any situation is essential. In the event of an emergency at one of our schools, we want to provide you with clear guidance on what to do to help keep your child safe. Here are some important steps to follow:
1. Stay Informed:
a. Listen to official sources of information: Follow school communication channels for updates regarding the situation. The District will communicate with parents as soon as it is safe to do so, using phone calls, text messages, or emails.
b. Trust official sources: Rely on school administration, law enforcement, and emergency services for information. Rumors can cause unnecessary panic.
2. Remain Calm:
a. Feeling anxious during an emergency is natural, but staying calm is essential. Your child will look to you for guidance and reassurance.
3. Do Not Rush to the School:
a. Rushing to the school can impede emergency response efforts and create traffic congestion.
b. Wait for official information and instructions from the school or emergency services before deciding to visit the school.
4. Reassure Your Child:
a. If your child reaches out to you during an emergency, provide calm and reassuring information. Let them know that their safety is the top priority.
b. Avoid sharing excessive details or alarming information that could cause unnecessary distress.
5. Follow the School's Reunion Plan:
a. If an evacuation occurs, follow the school's instructions for reuniting with your child at the designated location.
b. Have proper identification ready for verification.
Remember that the safety of our students is our utmost concern, and we have well-trained staff and established procedures to address a variety of emergencies. We appreciate your cooperation and understanding during such challenging times.
Two things you can do prior to an emergency is to ensure your emergency contact information is up to date and the school has been notified of any medical conditions your child has. This information is updated at the beginning of each year through the PowerSchool parent portal. If something changes during the school year, please reach out to your child’s building secretary or school nurse.
Suicide Prevention Month
September is designated as Suicide Prevention Month, and it serves as an opportunity for our community to come together and raise awareness about this critical issue. Recognizing when people in our lives are struggling with emotional pain and helping them feel comfortable to talk about it can help prevent mental health crises, including suicide. Learning the warning signs, knowing how to start a conversation, and knowing where to get professional help can make a powerful, life-changing difference.
#1 Know the signs
Warning signs of suicidal thoughts indicate that someone might be in acute danger and urgently need help, and they can vary by age, gender, sexuality & cultural identity.
- Talking about wanting to die or to kill oneself
- Looking for a way to kill oneself
- Talking about feeling hopeless or having no purpose
- Talking about feeling trapped or being in unbearable pain, wanting it to end, or not wanting to wake up
- Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge
- Increasing the use of alcohol or drugs
- Acting anxious, agitated, or reckless
- Sleeping too little or too much
- Withdrawing or feeling isolated
- Talking about being a burden to others
- Displaying extreme mood swings
Learn more about:
#2 Find the words
If you are worried about someone's mental health, it is important to have the courage to start the conversation, share what you notice, listen empathetically, and offer help.
- Ask about how they are doing, if they are having thoughts of suicide, ending their life, or pain
- Express your concern about what you are observing in their behavior
- Listen attentively and non-judgmentally
- Reflect on what they share and let them know they have been heard
- Tell them they are not alone- let them know there are people and treatments available that can help
- If you are or they are concerned, guide them to additional professional help
#3 Reach out for help
- Keep a list of crisis and local resources to refer to if needed.
For crisis support:
- Call the lifeline at 988 or text "HELP" to 741741 for free crisis counseling 24/7/365
- Call 9-1-1 and request a crisis-trained responder
- Go to your local emergency room
For ongoing therapeutic support:
Care Solace is a 24/7/365 coordination service to help find local mental health programs and counseling services. Care Solace will help you quickly find an appointment matched to your unique needs, regardless of circumstance. The Care Solace team can help with all types of care.
If you would like to use Care Solace to help you find a provider:
- Call 888-515-0595. Multilingual support is available 24/7/365
- Visit www.caresolace.com/westperry and either search on your own OR click “Book Appointment” for assistance by video chat, email, or phone.
Learn more about how to know the signs, find the words, and reach out for help here.
Threat Assessment and Management Overview Flyer
Safe2Say Poster
Care Solace Flyer
Everyone plays a vital role in supporting school safety and security, and when we all work together, we can ensure a comprehensive approach to school safety.
For More Information:
Email: lclouse@westperry.org
Website: https://www.westperry.org/district/school_safety_and_security
Location: 2606 Shermans Valley Road, Elliottsburg, PA, USA
Phone: 717-789-3934